Review: Bondi Beach

Give us the wide-angle view: what kind of beach are we talking about?
Sydney’s iconic Bondi Beach sports a sweeping, kilometer-long curve of golden sand, between two headlands, lashed by surf waves. What makes this Eastern Beaches wonder even more unusual is it’s an urban affair, combining swimming and surfing with big-city buzz. Locals love it, tourists flock here, and Bondi's massive on Instagram.

How accessible is it?
Bondi Beach is just seven kilometers from the city center. Take a train to Bondi Junction and then a bus (333 or 380), or bus all the way. Hop off at Campbell Parade, the main street backing the beach. Drivers can park beside the beach or underground at Wilson Parking (180 Campbell Parade).

Decent services and facilities, would you say?
Hire surfboards, lounge chairs, and umbrellas on the beach, or buy a beach kit in Campbell Parade’s stores. There are free changing rooms and showers (plus lockers for rent) at historic Bondi Pavilion, set back from the middle of the beach, and further up beside contemporary North Bondi

Surf Life Saving Club, plus outdoor showers and water fountains along the esplanade. Cafes, bars, and restaurants beckon beside the beach and on main drags Campbell Parade and Hall Street. Try The Crabbe Hole at Icebergs Pool for breakfast (1 Notts Avenue), North Bondi Fish for lunch (120 Ramsgate Avenue), Bills for dinner (79 Hall Street), and Bondi Beach Public Bar for cocktails (203/180 Campbell Parade). Hit Gelato Messina for ice cream (G6/61 Hall Street).

How’s the actual beach stuff—sand and surf?
Bondi attracts swimmers, surfers, bodyboarders, and bodysurfers (the beach is divided to avoid collisions). Kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding is also popular on calmer days. For surf classes, contact North Bondi’s Let’s Go Surfing (128 Ramsgate Avenue). If the water’s cold, rent a wetsuit. On the down side, Bondi has dangerous rip currents so always swim between the red-and-yellow flags earmarked by lifeguards as the safest spots. Look out for warning signs for bluebottle jellyfish, too.

Can we go barefoot?
Even on crowded summer weekends you’ll find a spot on the shore or lawns fringing the beach (there are barbecues at the northern reserve). People love jogging barefoot on the sand or along the street art-lined esplanade. Bondi’s hip boutiques, centered on Gould Street, offer stylish shopping; don’t miss nearby Aquabumps Gallery for surf photos (151 Curlewis Street).

Anything special we should look for?
Gorgeous Icebergs ocean pool south of the beach has a cafe, sauna and kids’ pool; Icebergs Dining Room and Bar above is a must for sunset cocktails. Bondi Beach Public School hosts Bondi Farmers Market on Saturdays and Bondi Markets on Sundays for fashion and snacks.

If we’re thinking about going, what—and who—is this beach best for?
This is heaven for surfers, swimmers, and sunbathers. Fitness freaks love to flex at Bondi, while party people prefer the many beachside bars and pubs. It’s also the starting point for the scenic six-kilometer Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk.